The House ethics code prohibits using campaign funds for personal expenditures.

His removal from Washington in the wake of rather flimsy allegations that he broke House ethics rules has affected policy and politics.

Similarly, House ethics rules and federal law forbid Congressional officials to perform political work with government resources or on government time.

And he presented himself as a champion of House ethics, though his own fund-raising has raised questions and brought complaints.

The House ethics manual says industry may pay for trips that make staff members "better informed regarding subject matters closely related to their official duties."

It quoted the House ethics manual as saying members "should not seek private gain from public office."

The new House ethics plan, developed by a special bipartisan task force, offers the public and Congress an attractive alternative.

Democrats have said that his 25-city tour violates House ethics rules.

A House ethics manual issued a month earlier explicitly barred lobbyists from covering the travel costs of lawmakers, even if they were reimbursed.

A House ethics manual issued in April 2000 specifically barred the practice.